Two RTGs for Estonia: HHLA TK Estonia Orders Battery-Electric Konecranes Units
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
HHLA TK Estonia AS has ordered two Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes equipped with large-scale battery systems. The units will operate at the Port of Muuga, offering up to eight hours of battery-powered operation with zero tailpipe emissions. The order marks the first deployment of RTGs with this battery capacity in Europe, with delivery scheduled for Q4 this year.
Battery-Powered RTGs Headed for Muuga
Logistics provider HHLA TK Estonia AS has placed an order for two Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes, which will be deployed at the Muuga terminal, Estonia’s largest cargo port.
The cranes are configured as one-over-five, six-lane RTGs, designed to support efficient container handling in busy terminal environments.
Delivery of the units is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.
Large-Scale Battery Systems Enable Zero Emissions
The new Konecranes battery RTG cranes will be equipped with 296 kWh battery systems, allowing for up to eight hours of operation on battery power alone.
Energy will be supplied via an integrated 25 metre busbar charging system, enabling efficient recharging during operations.
The cranes are designed to operate with:
Zero tailpipe emissions during crane operations
Reduced yard noise levels
This supports the terminal’s move toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. Notably, this is the first time Konecranes has delivered RTGs with this level of battery capacity in Europe, highlighting a significant step forward in electrification for container terminals.
Building on an Established Fleet
The Muuga terminal already operates a range of Konecranes equipment, including:
Two existing RTG cranes
Three Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes
One Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) crane
The addition of the new battery-electric RTGs will help modernise the yard while maintaining operational consistency across the fleet.
Supporting Cold Climate Operations
Tanel Ringo, technology and infrastructure manager at HHLA TK Estonia, said:
“Replacing older RTGs with these Konecranes battery electric RTGs allows us to further modernise our yard while maintaining operational consistency across the fleet. Having the manufacturer's engineering and production located in the same northern climate region is also beneficial when developing equipment for our operating conditions."
The shared northern European operating environment between manufacturer and operator is seen as an advantage in ensuring reliability and performance in colder climates.
Battery Technology Moves into Full Operational Use
The order reflects a broader shift in port equipment technology, with battery-powered RTGs moving from niche solutions to mainstream operational equipment.
Philipp Reiter, Konecranes regional sales manager, said:
“Close collaboration with a partner just across the Gulf of Finland enables us to move development initiatives quickly into real-world yard performance. This order demonstrates how battery technology is shifting from being a mitigation solution to providing power for full scale operational use in container terminals.”
As ports continue to prioritise decarbonisation and efficiency, battery-electric solutions are becoming increasingly viable for large-scale container handling operations.
Strategic Importance of Muuga Port
Located near Tallinn, the Port of Muuga is Estonia’s largest cargo port and a key logistics hub for the Baltic region.
The introduction of Konecranes battery RTG cranes will enhance the terminal’s ability to handle container volumes efficiently while supporting sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact.
About
HHLA TK Estonia AS is a logistics and terminal operator managing container operations at the Port of Muuga, Estonia’s primary cargo gateway. The company is part of the HHLA Group and focuses on efficient, modern, and sustainable port operations in the Baltic region.
Konecranes is a global supplier of lifting equipment and services, providing advanced solutions for ports, terminals, and industrial applications. Its portfolio includes RTG cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, and automated systems, with a growing focus on electrification and sustainability.
Website: www.konecranes.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What cranes has HHLA TK Estonia ordered?
The company has ordered two Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes equipped with large battery systems.
What is the battery capacity of the new RTGs?
Each crane features a 296 kWh battery system, enabling extended electric operation.
How long can the cranes operate on battery power?
The cranes can operate for up to eight hours on battery power.
What makes this order significant?
It is the first deployment in Europe of RTGs with this level of battery capacity.
Where will the cranes be used?
The cranes will operate at the Muuga terminal, Estonia’s largest cargo port.
When will the cranes be delivered?
Delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.
